Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 11:1-3
Ps 11:1-3
1 In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain? 2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. 3 When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?"
Acts 5:34, 38-42
34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
The Jewish leaders had killed Jesus but that had not stopped the apostles from teaching and preaching that he is the Christ. The teaching was contrary to the thinking of those on the Sanhedrin and they were doing all they could to stop it as quickly as possible. Having been imprisoned, threatened with death and beaten, the apostles rejoiced because they had been counted worthy of suffering for the Name of Jesus. Later, when Paul was being persecuted for his faith and preaching, he prayed for open doors to preach more and for strength to endure.
We never find these men of God complaining or engaging in self-pity. Rather, they rejoiced that they could suffer with and for Christ. When things are not going well for us today, we need to “count it all joy when we face various trials.” The trials will come because all who serve the Lord will suffer. Being a Christian does not take away our problems; it gives us courage to face them and strength to endure and overcome them. We can rejoice in the Lord always.
O God, give me your peace and fill my heart with your love for others; even love for my enemies. Open my eyes to see the opportunities you give me to tell others about you and give me the courage, the strength and the wisdom I need to do it effectively. Help me always live in such a way that others can see Jesus living in me and give you the glory. Forgive me when I do or say things that are not what you would have me do or say. I ask a special blessing on those who are serving you in the face of persecution. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
